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About Me

Based in Burlington, ON, I'm an independent multidisciplinary curator and creative practitioner. My work spans visual arts, music, wellness, and community-engaged programming. My practice weaves together cultural identity, storytelling, and holistic well-being to create inclusive, sensory-rich experiences that connect artists, audiences, and communities.

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My Story

I’ve come to believe that life’s greatest challenges often shape our most meaningful art. It's the journey of resilience that fuels the heart of my curatorial work, inspiring exhibitions that celebrate healing, heritage, and human connection. When I’m not curating or creating, I find balance in quiet walks through nature and carry with me the joyful memory of my beloved 4lb Yorkie, Gracie, whose bright spirit continues to remind me of love, light, and the beauty in small things.

 
My Curatorial Journey

With nearly a decade of co-curatorial experience across the not-for-profit and public gallery sector, I've developed my skills in creating exhibitions that honour cultural history while amplifying contemporary Afro-Caribbean voices in the Canadian arts landscape. Formerly Vice-Chair of the Halton Black History Awareness Society (HBHAS), I've spent the past eight years shaping the organization’s visual arts presence across Halton through their annual Emancipation Art Exhibition, a project developed and led entirely through volunteer

commitment while working full-time.

In addition to my work with HBHAS, I curate for the Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton (CCAH), leading multi-site exhibitions across Oakville and Halton Region, expanding opportunities for underrepresented artists in public spaces. My forthcoming exhibition, ST!LL BLOOM!NG: Emerging in Radiance, Rooted in Resilience (Art Gallery of Burlington, 2026), continues my exploration of growth, ancestral memory, and collective healing through botanical and floral forms.

With a background in fashion merchandising, I bring a refined sense of design, presentation, and audience engagement to every project.

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Community & Collaboration

My curatorial path has been deeply influenced by mentorship and collaboration with established curators and educators, including Judy Daley and Kara Bruce at the Helson Gallery, Dr. Barbara Bruce of Western University’s School for Advanced Studies in the Arts & Humanities (SASAH), and renowned art innovator Joan Butterfield, founder of the Association of African-Canadian Artists. Through these relationships, I've honed my approach to curating exhibitions that are visually engaging, historically grounded, and socially conscious. I continue to strengthen the bridge between academia and community through experiential learning initiatives, including the SASAH internship program developed for Western University students, which offers hands-on training in exhibition planning and curatorial research.

Beyond the Gallery

 

My work in therapeutic arts and clinical musicianship continues to shape my belief that creativity and wellness are deeply intertwined. My work reflects a lifelong commitment to inclusion, mentorship, and cultural storytelling guided by the belief that art has the power to heal, connect, and transform.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Why I Do This Work

For me, curating is about more than exhibitions; it’s about creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and connected to something larger than themselves. By celebrating cultural identity, honouring stories, and sharing artistry, I aim to help shape a richer, more inclusive narrative of who we are and inspire a collective belief in the greater good. 

Contact

Let’s Collaborate

 

Whether you’re planning a cultural event, community exhibition, or mentorship opportunity, I bring a thoughtful, collaborative approach to bring your vision to life.

 

 416-505-4014

© 2023 by Francesca Durham

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